Obituaries, March 31, 2023
Ruth Ann McEntee
Ruth Ann McEntee, 88, entered into eternal life on March 27, 2023. She was born March 22, 1935, in Atlanta, Indiana, to Martha (Buscher) and Charles McEntee. She and her three sisters grew up in Kokomo, Indiana, where their parents ensured their three daughters were part of the fabric of community and church.
Following graduation from St. Patrick’s elementary and Kokomo High School, she worked at the First National Bank in Kokomo. In 1954, feeling called to religious life, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tipton, Indiana. She received the religious habit in 1955 and pronounced her final vows on August 15, 1961. Her education included a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati and a master’s degree from St. Louis University with a focus on Business and Hospital Administration. In 1998, Sister Marty was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the President of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Following nearly a decade of teaching junior high students in Tipton and Marian, Indiana, Sister Marty began a long tenure as a dynamic leader in health care. While her primary role was President/CEO of St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo, Indiana for 28 years, her ministry called her far beyond local parameters. She served on multiple boards, serving as Chair of several, including the Indiana Hospital Association, the Catholic Hospital Association of the United States, and the Kokomo Area Chamber of Commerce. She also served in leadership roles within her Congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tipton, and her beloved community of Kokomo, Indiana. No task was too small or too great when asked for support. She carried all out with joyful generosity and humor. She was a consummate volunteer, going beyond the immediate needs to find long-term solutions.
Among her greatest joys was the collaborative design of the Congregation of St. Joseph. With her beloved Sisters of St. Joseph of Tipton, Indiana, she was instrumental in opening the dialogue with other Sisters of St. Joseph communities to consider how they might together live the mission to be one in service of the dear neighbor. In 2007, the Congregation of St. Joseph was founded from seven autonomous St. Joseph communities. This new entity is changing lives through vibrant ministries in partnership with others and meeting the hungers of the world.
Sister Marty lived her life in service to the Dear Neighbor. Whether CEO or committee chairperson, she was a welcoming presence. She loved connecting people to causes and meaningful relationships were often discovered because she took the time to listen. Only then would she act.
As God would call, let it be said that she never turned away from “Yes. Here am I. Use me.” She will be missed, but our world, our communities, our Congregation will be better because she lived among us.
Survivors include her sister, Rita Jansen; ten nieces and nephews; multiple cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews; and a grateful community.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Helen and Joe Martin and Barbara and Paul Ackerman; great-nephew, John Thomas Dorsey; and her dearest friend for life, Sr. Clarise Winter, CSJ.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, with The Most Reverend Bishop Timothy Doherty the celebrant, the priests of the Diocese of Lafayette Indiana as the concelebrants and Fr. Keith Hosey as the homilist. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the church where the Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2023, in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The funeral mass will be available to view online at www.stpatrick-Kokomo.org. Contributions may be made in Sister Marty’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Patrick Catholic Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home in Kokomo.
May Sr. Martin "Marty" rest in God’s eternal peace.
Alexis Leanne Donato
Alexis Leanne Donato, 24, Kokomo, passed away on Thursday March 30, 2023, at Community North Hospital. She was born in Lorain, OH. on August 17, 1998, the daughter of Albert and Jennifer (Meade) Donato.
Alexis graduated in 2016. She had worked for various companies including Menards, Kroger, and K Mart. She loved animals, bugs, and horseback riding. She was an avid reader, who enjoyed movies, 30’s music, and exploring nature. She loved taking road trips, with her favorite being to Cedar Point for her 21st birthday. She also loved the holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween. Alexis will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Alexis is survived by her parents, Al and Jennifer; sister, Alison Donato (Javen Barela); boyfriend, Tyler Bird; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; 2 birds, Salem and Odi; snake, Misha; and puppy, Willow.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; 2 birds, Lord & Lady; and 2 dogs, Scratch & Sniff.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Friends may visit with the family from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the funeral home, and again on Monday from 9 am to 11 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Pals for Paws, palsforpawsinc.com/donate.
Carolyn Ann Maish
Carolyn Ann Maish, 85, formerly of Kokomo, Indiana passed away peacefully on March 29, 2023, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Born on June 29, 1937, in Kokomo, Indiana, she was the daughter of Edward Iseminger and Velma Weideman. She married the love of her life, James Maish, on August 19, 1955, and remained married until his death in 2019. They had a son Michael James who passed away a few months after his birth and went on to adopt their daughter Beth Ann in 1966.
Carolyn was primarily a homemaker but had been employed at various stages of her life by Indiana Bell, Delco Electronics, and Southwest Allen County Schools. Her hobbies included traveling, camping, dancing, and crafting. Before leaving Kokomo, she attended Holy Cross Lutheran Church. She was a former member of Eastern Star and the Elks Lodge.
She is survived by her daughter, Beth Ann (Jeffrey) Price; grandchildren, Lauren and Devon Peterson; and step-grandchildren, Brooke and Evan Price. Surviving siblings include Patricia Shutt, Susan (Donald) Aaron, John (Lisa Knapp) Iseminger, and Edward (Ranae) Iseminger. Also surviving include her Aunt Helen (Joseph) Adair who was truly like a sister to her and many beloved nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by many.
She was preceded in death by both her parents, Velma Weideman and Edward Iseminger; son, Michael Maish; husband, James Maish; brother, William Iseminger; sister, Mary Rose Iseminger; stepmother, Monterose Iseminger; stepfather, Harry Weideman; and brother-in-law, Jerry Shutt.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W Lincoln Rd, Kokomo, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to noon on Tuesday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Eric Todd Hufford
Eric Todd Hufford, age 60, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 11:23 P.M. at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. He was born to the late Joseph and Evelyn (Butcher) Hufford on August 4, 1962 in Kokomo, Indiana.
Eric worked for Village Pantry for 30 years, where he made many friends. He enjoyed working with electronics, listening to 80's music, cats, watching movies, and was an avid collector of postage stamps. Eric loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his niece, Shelby and nephew, Jake.
Eric deeply loved his Catholic faith and enjoyed his time with Rev. Fr. Stephen Duquaine.
Eric is survived by his sister, Vickie Oglageo; brothers, Vess Hufford and David Hufford; sister-in-law, Pam Hufford; niece, Shelby (Josh) Smith; nephew, Jake Hufford; and great-nephews, Doug and Jace Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; maternal and paternal grandparents; brother, Jeff Hufford; and infant niece, Kayla Hufford.
There will be a graveside service for Eric on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 and 2:00 P.M. at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana. Rev. Fr. Stephen Duquaine will be celebrating. Memorial contributions may be made in memory in Eric to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Hufford family.
Gregory Allen Stone
Gregory Allen Stone, 60, Kokomo, passed away at 8:41 am on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Aperion Care. He was born to the late Ralph and Bonnie (Maxwell) Stone on August 6, 1962.
Gregory graduated from Western High School in 1980. He worked for Tombstone Pizza Corporation as a delivery driver and retired after over 10 years of service. He was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed drawing, painting, and spending time with his best pal, Max the dog.
Gregory is survived by his sister, Gina Thomas; nieces, Taylor Thomas, Erin Thomas (Nathan Carter); and Veronica (Steven) Dukes; nephew, Jimmy Piercy; great niece & nephews, Arie, Kristopher, and Kolton.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Deanna Evans.
A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home-Jefferson Street Chapel, 414 W. Jefferson Street, Kokomo, with Chris Tucker officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 1 pm to 3 pm on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made online to the funeral home to help the family with final expenses.
Marva Jean LyBurtus
Marva Jean LyBurtus, age 87, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on April 15th, 2023 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. The address is 2317 Zartman Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the LyBurtus family.